Day: December 5, 2017

IMPHAL | Dec 5

Many families with poor economic backgrounds from Naorem Leikai under Langthabal assembly constituency reportedly are deprived of PDS benefits. 

A random survey of the locality was conducted today by Socialist Students’ Union of Manipur, Manipur Proletariat Peoples’ Democratic Union along with a team of media persons. The independent investigation was conducted following alleged complaint received by the two organizations.

During the survey it was found that most of the deserving lot were not given PDS cards besides allotting only 4 kilograms per head to card holders from November.

According one of the PDS agents during the survey, they were allotted with only 4 kilograms for per head by the nominee while clarifying on their failure to give 5 kilogram per head as per norm.

“When we asked the reason for giving only 4 kilogram instead of 5 kilogram, the nominee replied that the missing one kilogram was deducted as a part of quota for some persons,” added the agent without clearly mentioning for whom the one kg was deducted for.

Meanwhile, briefing media persons after the survey SSUM convenor, N. Tanoranjan, lamented on the disparity prevailing in the constituency which also happened to be constituency of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution minister, Karam Shyam.

“How can the people rule out that PDS items are not being misused in the state when people are deprived of the benefit of the benefit in the Minister’s constituency,” he questioned.

Recalling the recent statement of the concerned minister to resign from his post in the event of any irregularities, the suggested the minister quit his post citing the survey report.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 5

Under the theme ‘Caring for the Planet starts from the Ground’, World Soil Day cum closing day of Gardeners Skill Training Programme was held at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Imphal West today.

Addressing as chief guest, MLA and deputy chairman of State Planning Board, S. Rajen Singh said that improving quality and fertility of soil would enhance the growth of agricultural product and reduce crop failure, and also will boost income of the state.

Briefing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s target to double farmers’ income by 2022, S. Rajen Singh said that soil health card is one of the major components of fulfilling the target of doubling the farmers’ income.

Farmers can reap several benefits from the use of soil health card as they can choose the particular type of crops suitable for cultivation in their farmland. It would also help the farmers to get an idea on types of nutrient and fertilisers required in each type of soil, he added.

Speaking as president in the function, joint director of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) I. Meghachandra Singh said that it is very essential to improve the quality of soil for good harvest.

He further explained that valley area of Manipur is more fertile and best for paddy cultivation as compared to hilly areas. However due to deforestation the fertility of soil both in hilly and valley has been reduced drastically, he added.

Pointing out the impact of natural disaster, he said that there is a close relation between reducing fertility of soil and natural disasters like flood and global warming.

‘Collective responsibility from all walks of life is required in saving our mother earth from all such unwanted natural phenomena’, said Meghachandra.

He also suggested all the farmers to use fertilisers in right amount and to perform animal husbandry for converting our state into organic state. 

Office-in-charge of Mission for Integrated Development Horticulture (MIDH), department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, K. Jogeschandra Sharma also attended the function.

The report of soil health card for 500 farmers and certificates for the participants of Gardeners Skill Training Programme which has been conducting from November 6 to December 5, were also distributed.

In the technical session, T. Basanta Singh and Kh. Hera Singh gave presentation on ‘Utility and advantages of Soil Health Cards (SHC)’ and ‘Soil management for sustainable agriculture’ respectively.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 5

A one day open media interaction programme was held today as a part of the world soil day at the Manipur press club under the theme “caring for the planet starts from the groups”.

The programme was organised by the Manipur organic mission agency, green foundation in collaboration with the All Manipur working Journalist union (AMWJU).

Speaking during the event, former director of MACS, Dr. Pramodkumar, has expressed his concern over the trend of excessive use of chemical fertilisers in agriculture and horticulture sectors to meet the ever growing demands as a result of growing population.

According to him, most of the foods items today are contaminated with high level of pesticides to the extent that it has become health hazards to every individual.

The life spans of a human today are considerably short when compared to individuals who were born 30 years ago, he asserted.

Moreover, several diseases associated with dermatological, gastrointestinal and non-alcoholic fatty livers, cancer including damage the DNA structure have become a common thing today, he continued.

Nevertheless, he lauded the handful of farmers who have for started the revolution of organic farming and understanding its importance.

Pramodkumar was speaking as the resource persons on the subject “Use of chemical in agricultural foods and modern way of life-A public health perspective”.

Editor, Hueiyen Lanpao, N. Hemanta lamented, speaking on the topic “Importance of organic farming and its absence in local newspapers and news channel” urged the concerned NGO’s in the field to start a campaign to put a stop the use of chemical fertilisers and broadcasting adds that encourages use of chemical fertilisers.

International agricultural consultant, Hitoshi Yokota from Japan talked on the topic “ways of land preparation for soil health improvement” and highlighted the ways to make fertile soil using organic manure. He has been working in India to promote organic farming.

Renowned nutritionist, Dr. Ksh. Bimolata, U. Himmat of green foundation, scientist Dr. V. Pandey, project officer, MOMA, K. Devdutta Sharma attended as the resource persons.

IMPHAL | Dec 5

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister, Thongam Biwsajit has called on the people to give up the habit of imposing bandhs and blockades as such activities cause more hardship to the people especially the poor.

He said it is time to work collectively for development and forget the culture of bandhs and blockades. Everyone has to play their responsibility towards bringing development in the society, he said.

The minister was addressing a formal function for distribution of LPG connections to the beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Around 100 beneficiaries availed the connection during the function held this late evening at the premise of Royal Academy Manipur School, Pangei, Imphal East, Manipur. The cooking gas connection was made available through the Sawombung Indane.

He asserted that the central government has launched more than 106 schemes meant for the poor people. He also drew attention of gas agencies and elected members of the panchayat to sort out the beneficiaries through the Socio Economic Caste Census.

Under this scheme, the present BJP led government aims to reach out to all the poorest of the poor who are still deprived of using LPG as cooking fuel and have to rely on firewood, coal, dung-cakes, he added.

He observed that the main aim of the scheme is to reduce the hardships faced by women folk. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana will surely safeguard the health of women and children by providing them with a clean cooking fuel – LPG and that they do not have to compromise on their health in smoke filled kitchens or roam around in unsafe areas to collect firewood. The problem of deforestation leading to natural calamities like landslides, mudslides will also be curtailed once this scheme reaches all households, as cutting down of trees for firewood would no longer be necessary, he said.

He further maintained that the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) has also been launched in the state and under this scheme approximately 1.76 lakh households (1.62 lakh rural households and 0.13 lakh urban households) of Manipur will be benefitted.

He also stated that the PMAY (G) was launched with an aim for providing shelter to homeless people. Beneficiaries who are included in the list of SECC 2011 can avail this facility. Minister also appealed to all beneficiaries of centrally sponsored schemes to open bank account as payment of all schemes is made through DBT.

Biswajit who also holds the works portfolio also assured to repair the Imphal –Pangei Road at the earliest.

It may be mentioned that Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 1, 2016 in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. Under this scheme, 5 Crore LPG connections will be provided to BPL families with a support of Rs.1600 per connection in the next 3 years.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 5

In connection with the 5th winter disabled mela, former advisor to governor, R.K. Nimai said during the closing ceremony on International day of person with disabilities that after seeing normal people living in worst conditions, one should imagine how the differently abled people are living in this world.

The mela was organised under the theme “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all” at the community hall of Sagolband Tera Yengkhom Leirak.

Speaking on the occasion, R.K. Nimai as president of the function said number of crimes has been increasing in the state and normal people are facing many issues. If normal people are facing such severe problems that one cannot even go thorough how the differently abled people are living in this society, he added.

Meanwhile, a Tarao dictionary written by Leikhan Morre Tarao for the Tarao community was also launched today.

Nimai further said there are only some Tarao communities left having not more than 1000 population. If proper steps are not taken then in the next fifty years the community might become extinct.

According to medical science, it is said that there may be some genital disorders within the people of the community that which is causing their women not to conceive. The concerned authorises should take relevant steps in order to save the community immediately, he added.

As a part of the programme, a fashion parade was also organised for the differently abled persons, around 30 stalls were opened in the mela.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 5

The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union, AMWJU, has asked the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi for urgent intervention over the alleged high handiness and tyrannical attitude of state unit BJP leaders against the journalist union’s president Wangkhemcha Samjai.

A memorandum was submitted during a sit-in staged at Keishampat street, today. Representatives of the journalist met Governor Najma A Heptulla on the issue.

A copy of the memorandum was submitted to each of the President of India Ram Nath Kovind, Press Council of India, Indian Journalists’ Union and the Governor.

The memorandum stated that the media in Manipur has plunged into a highly imperiled situation with the journalists’ free and unbiased versions and opinions to shape the society continued to be gagged by the people in power.

It highlighted the incident that compelled the union to come out in the streets to protest against the excesses of some leaders of Manipur unit BJP which is ruling the state.

On November 24 Shamjai, along with two others – a BJP MLA and an academician – had delivered their views as panelists on the topic ‘VlP culture in Manipur” during a daily discussion session hosted by ISTV, a local television network service.

During the discussion, the union president dwelt on the ugly faces of VIP culture in the nation in general and the state in particular, stated the memorandum copy.

Despite the commendable efforts having extended by the Prime Minister to end VIP culture in the country, some leaders of the state unit BJP have taken security escorts mentioned president Shamjai.

During the discussion, our president mentioned the names of such Manipur unit BJP leaders who have been given security escorts. They included vice president Ashnikumar Moirangthem, spokesperson RK. Shivachandra, secretary K. Sharat and Jadumani Singh.

Of them, Shivachandra, Ashnikumar and Jadumani contested and lost in the last assembly election held in March this year on BJP tickets from Keishamthon, Thanga and Thoubal assembly seats.

Samjai did not demand the government to pull out the security escorts from them. Without any prejudice and ill feeling, he simply questioned the rationale behind granting the security escorts to the BJP leaders, stated the memorandum.

On November 30 Shivachandra called up Samjai over the phone and threatened him for naming in the list of the BJP leaders who obtained security escorts. Shivachandra also used crude and defamatory language against him.

AMWJU, in its press statement issued on December 1, strongly condemned the excesses and autocratic nature of Shivachandra. The union, while terming it as an attack to the sanctity and independence of the media, also maintained that Shivachandra should take total responsibility if anything happens to Samjai.

Much to the surprise, Shivachandra made a post on his facebook account defaming Samjai on the same night. He even used highly objectionable language enough to assassinate Samjai’s character, an unbecoming and immature version of a leader of a political party that rules both the centre and the state.

In a media conference held at BJP lmphal office on December 3, Shivachandra and Sharat threatened to file a defamation suit against our president if he fails to tender apology on what he had stated against them during the discussion on VIP culture, added the memorandum.

An emergency meeting of the standing committee of AMWJU convened yesterday resolved that the union will fight collectively against those unprincipled leaders to preserve and strengthen the sanctity and the independence of the press.

The journalist union requested the Prime Minister for necessary action against the alleged unprincipled individuals in the earliest possible time in the interest of safeguarding the true essence of democracy and the media’s freedom.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 5

State Nodal officer for Intensified Mission Indradhanush, IMI, Th. Nandakishore, has informed that the 3rd round IMI would be launched from December 7.

The announcement was made during a one day media sensitisation workshop held today at the office of family welfare, B.T. road.

Nandakishore said the first and second round of the mission was successfully completed and almost cent percent of pregnant women and infants were vaccinated in order to prevent from dreaded communicable diseases.

He pointed out that in the first round and second of the mission, 996 pregnant women and 3104 infant age between 0-2 years, were targeted for vaccination.

During the first round due to lack of awareness on benefits of the vaccination programme around 60 precent of its target could not be accomplished including in hill districts, he said. But in the second round the department have accomplished almost 100 percent of its target particularly in the hill districts, Nandakishore added.

The third round of this mission aims to eradicate Measles Rubella which is one of the most deadly diseases for all age group, he asserted.

State senior project officer, united nation development project (UNDP), Sarat Yadav said Intensified Mission Indradhanush is launched in twelve state across the nation and Manipur and had achieved the most positive result.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Dec 5

The NSCN-IM under the leadership of ‘Kilo Kilonser’ (outfit’s home minister) Hukavi Yepthomi along with several their leaders comprising Steering Committee members, Kilonsers, Deputy Kilonsers held an intensive consultative meeting with Sumi Hoho,  Sumi Kukami Hoho, Sumi Totimi Hoho, Western Sumi Hoho, Western Sumi Kukami Hoho  and Sumi Kiphimi  kuqhakulu on December 5 at Saramati Hotel in Dimapur.

“Kilo Kilonser Hukavi Yepthomi has been ceaselessly reaching out to the Naga people on the line of changed political situation following signing of a Framework Agreement between the Naga leaders and the GoI. Key sectors in present Naga areas have become better acquainted with the progress of peace process and also understood the nature of blatant misgivings as constantly propagated by certain sections of our own people to further confuse the truth with fact,” the NSCN-IM said today.

According to the NSCN-IM, the issue of transmitting correct information on perspective: that warranty implementation of what has been achieved in such sustained and forward move after putting a Framework Agreement in place is his outmost priority.

“Strong supports of Sumi tribe have been recalled that has covered a great and enormous distance to have come until the GoI relented to saying, “We have realized the futility of seeking military solution”. The GPRN reiterates its commitment towards Sumi tribe to continuously and consistently extend its optimum corporation in future,” the outfit added.

 “That is being intensely engaged in dialogue with the GoI towards finding lasting political settlement once and for all”, it further added.

IMPHAL | Dec 5

The chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh visited ‘Hornbill Festival’ at Kisama today. He was accompanied by PHED minister, Losii Dikho, along with MLAs, L. Susindro, K. Robindro, L. Rameshwor, Th. Satyabrata, S. Subhaschandra, Awangbou Newmai and advisor to CM Rajat Sethi.

On the grand occasion, N. Biren Singh stated that he felt much honoured to be among the people of Nagaland and being in the lustrous land, defined and shaped by bravery and the rich traditions of the many tribes.

‘It is also indeed a privilege to be part of the ‘Hornbill Festival 2017’, in this picturesque setting of Kisama and experience the impressive rich cultural displays and traditions of Nagaland’, said N. Biren.

On behalf of the people of Manipur, the CM extended his best wishes and warm greetings to the people of Nagaland and for the celebration of 54 years of statehood for Nagaland.

‘Nagaland is indeed the land of festivals and Hornbill festival is definitely the festival of festivals’, praised N. Biren.

He thanked the chief minister of Nagaland for the invitation to attend the festival and also thanked him for taking time to visit Manipur last month for the recently concluded ‘North East development Summit’ in Imphal during ‘Manipur Sangai Festival’.

There is so much that connects the two states and its people and based on the shared history and close cultural affinities, people must build the foundations upon which institutions of the two states can collaborate and cooperate with a strong sense of common purpose, said N. Biren.

Pointing out suggestion made by Nagaland CM on ‘tourist circuit’ for the northeast region, N. Biren stated that from next year onwards, attempt will be made to evolve concrete collaborative mechanism for jointly promoting the two biggest festivals of the states, Manipur Sangai festival, which is held in the last 10 days of November and Nagaland Hornbill festival, which is held in the first 10 days of December.

There are many untapped opportunities which Manipur and Nagaland as neighbours should jointly leverage to unlock the full potential of the two states and fulfil the aspirations of the people, especially the youths, he added.

While recalling the history, the CM mentioned that some of the fiercest and deciding battles of the Second World War were fought in Imphal and Kohima, 74 years ago. Collaborative efforts of the governments with entrepreneurs, historians and enthusiasts to develop a tourist circuit should be supported not only for promoting tourism but for preserving the history and relics of forgotten battles of World War II, he added.

Biren Singh further spoke about the importance of sports in the region. He said that the enduring foundations laid by the inspiring legacy of Dr Ao of Nagaland, who was the first captain of Indian national football team after independence had been a promising prospects for the young sports talents, like those of the eight Manipuris who represented India in the recent U-17 FIFA World Cup.

Sports unify people and more opportunities should be explored to increase interactions between the two states in the area of sports at various levels starting from schools, colleges, village, professional clubs level and others, he added.

He continued that there is a need for extensive and meaningful ‘people-to-people’ interactions and between institutions for collaboration and partnership in the area of entrepreneurship, skill development, commerce, arts, culture, films and theater.

The CM congratulated the government and the people of Nagaland for putting up a grand impressive show and the kind hospitality. He also mentioned that the cultural troupes from Manipur will be reaching the venue to attend the festival.

CM N. Biren also extended his warm greetings and best wishes for Christmas, on behalf of the people of Manipur.

IMPHAL| Dec 5

Governor Najma Heptulla today graced the inaugural function of the 2-day Kathak Utsav organised by the Kathak Kendra, New Delhi in collaboration with the Jawarharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal at the auditorium of Manipur Film Development Society, Palace Gate.

Chairperson, AC, Kathak Kendra, Ms. Kamalini Asthana; vice chairman, AC, JNMDA, prof. Hijam Tombi Singh; director, Kathak Kendra, B.B. Chugh & director, JNMDA, L Opendra Sharma shared the dais with the governor at the function.

Stating that the Kathak Utsav is the right place for the Kathak dancers to showcase their performances to the world as Manipur is equally popular as a state of rich cultural traditions, the governor said, “It is a celebration of the performing arts that bring together legendary artistes, dance lovers, scholars and connoisseurs through dance performances, seminars, lectures and debates.”

Tracing the origin of Kathakas in ancient Indian history, Najma Heptulla narrated that Kathak dance evolved during the Bhakti Movement, particularly by incorporating the childhood stories of the Hindu God Krishna, as well as independently in the courts of North Indian kingdoms. Wandering Kathakas communicated stories from the great epics and ancient mythology through dance, songs and music in a manner similar to early Greek theatre, she also said.

She appreciated the relentless efforts made by the Kendra in promoting & disseminating this art form adding that it will go a long way in popularizing and perpetuating this rich heritage.

“Regarding various deficit areas like lecture-cum-demonstration, solo dance items & choreographic techniques, the Manipuris have a lot to learn from their counterparts in the rest of the country”, confessed prof. Hijam Tombi.

Drawing attention to the discovery of new things each time she comes to Imphal, Kamalini Asthana shared her views that they can develop stronger ties and brotherhood with Manipur by conducting such festivals more often.

We are presenting Manipur dance & music at Raipur & other places of India in December and through the various programmes of Kathak Kendra, the messages of love & peace will be flourished with the spirit of growth, delivery and evolution, said L Opendra by welcoming the audience.

Nitya Parampara, Krishna Namah dances were showcased by the students of Kathak Kendra.  Solo recital  were presented by Guru Rajendra Kumar Gangani during the function. Tabla, vocal & harmonium, sarangi & pakhawaj were performed by Rahul Vishwakarma, Samiullah Khan, Ghulam Waris and Salman Khan respectively.